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Categories: American (Traditional), Sandwiches [Edit]
Neighborhood: Culver CityDon't Just Wish Someone A Good Holiday, Give Them One With Chili's.
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So it's over-priced, so service isn't always great, so there might be times that the pastrami is not good... it is what it is, it's still an establishment that has been there forever, and for the most part they serve up a good sandwich.
I had the pastrami on rye... my mound of pastrami was thinly sliced with a nice layer of cheese and mustard, had a great fat to meat ratio that a good pastrami should have. Yes, I've had better in New York, but who hasn't.
The ladies there have attitude, but they deal with a whole lot of different personalities, it inevitable that they are going to snap on some poor unsuspecting person.
As with these places, it's all about the experience that counts.
Since the fries looked a bit basic, I opted for the onion rings. Served hot, crispy and not overly greasy.
Bring cash, because it's worth the trip, worth the wait... and they don't take the plastic.
Pastrami is good. Its not spectacular, but its good - however, the price is what brings this place down for me. Its almost $15 for a freaking sandwich and some slaw and fries?
Definitely not worth a drive, but I guess if youre in the area and want decent Pastrami and have cash to burn.... Johnnies is your place!
The Pastrami Sandwich is amazing! My friend Frank ate a chilly cheeseburger and I tried it and that was great too. Fries were above-average.
The waitress was super friendly and a sweetheart!
This place is about 1/2 mile from my apartment and it just became one of my favorite places to grab some not so healthy food.
Highly recommend to at least try once.
You know, I've been coming here about monthly and I must say I now consider Johnnie's pastrami superior to The Hat's. It's much more pricey at around $10. But it's not as salty and it's less greasy. It also has more ambiance, with the fire pit outside. It's so cool, especially when it's cool to sit around the fire. Feels like you're at a clam bake.
I try to stop by this place every time I'm on the west side, especially on my way to LAX. They have… Read more »
ooh I love pastrami, and this is the best place 2 get it. And they give U a whole lot of it. Its big enough for two, or you can just save that other half 4 urself. Throw in some chili cheese fries, and its on. I always try 2 save room for one of those huge slices of apple pie, but I hardly ever get 2 it. I love sitting next to the fire pit at 12 a.m. scarfing down all those calories. Dont 4get cash only.
I recently rediscovered the magic of the hot pastrami sandwich at Johnnie's. Growing up, I used to come here with my dad while my sisters went to Tito's. One of the things I can appreciate is that they really keep things moving. I'm not talking about turning over the restaurant, but rather being attentive with table service and fulfilling to go orders promptly (all things relative).
Of course, the place does get busy especially during lunch on the weekends - that's for dine in and take out. In addition to the inside counter and wall booths, there are two patios on each side of the restaurant.
This visit, my dad and I shared a hot pastrami sandwich with Swiss cheese (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). They stack the pastrami and serve it hot. If I'm eating a whole, I'd be sure to munch on the pickles intermittently. They'll help switch things up.
While I can agree that the prices are quite steep, I would say that half a sandwich with a small side is enough for a meal without being excessive - at least for most. Breaking it down that way, it's not too expensive.
We also ordered chili cheese fries (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). The picture may not look appetizing, but I assure they that they are great. We opted for an order sans raw onions. Now that I think about it, I wonder if they'd do grilled onions.
There are two major downs to Johnnie's however:
-Parking tends to be terrible. There's a lot that circles that restaurant, but there aren't all that many spaces. Street parking is available, but keep in mind that you are battling with Tito's patrons.
-Johnnie's is cash only.
Johnnie's is only a tiny bit less overrated than its neighbor, Tito's Tacos. For a pastrami lover, Johnnie's turned out to be a huge disappointment.
Here are the problems:
1) Terrible roll - The bread tastes cheap and unfresh. The ratio of meat to bread is off as the bread is so thick and overpowering.
2) Dry pastrami - Really really dry pastrami. I'm the type of girl who prefers dark meat chicken over white meat because it's more moist. This pastrami tasted drier than white meat chicken to me.
3) Disappointing value - The "Deluxe Pastrami Plate" cost $15+. When did a mediocre sandwich, fries and a tiny bowl of cole slaw get that expensive? I also had a milkshake, which was quite good but not a good value at $5.
4) Subpar fries - It brought back memories of the soggy crinkle fries I ate...or attempted to eat at the cafeteria in elementary school.
Conclusion: I've had better pastrami sandwiches at Subway.
During weekdays or when I'm conscious of what I'm eating, I would care more about calories and healthy diet. That being said, when I was bit under the influence of alcohol, I was unconcerned with what I eat. Not only is Johnnie's Pastrami a good hangover remedy, but it's so devilishly delicious that I can chow down a piece of it on any given day.
The to die for French dipped hot pastrami is best enjoyed with extra secret dip on the side. Before you make that bite of your life, dip dip dip, put it into your mouth, and grab the yellow pepper to add an extra UMPHH. Repeat as necessary!
Okay so I have to admit I split the pastrami because meat is generously piled high and Oh I'm saving some space for the chili cheese fries. Have I mention the chili cheese fries? Gosh I'm not saying they have the best chili cheese fries but "Hello?!"...when I know that this is the day to ruin my diet, might as well just make a hot mess.
To make things even better, this place open late night. Make some excuses to eat dinner early so you can have midnight snacking!
My love for Johnnie wouldn't change just because their pastrami cost me $11 bucks and it's cash only. Yep it's quite steep for a sandwich, but it's one hell of a sandwich that will make you and your tummy get a good night sleep.
Pastrami fans,
people who love pickels,
this is the place for you.
It's pricey, but you can feed a whole African village with one of these.
Take that Sally Struthers.
Actually, keep Sally Struthers the hell away from my sandwich.
The complimentary bowl of kosher pickles are the perfect compliment to this succulent work of art. And you can buy the pickles to take home by the gallons (no really).
This place is a historic landmark.
The food is exactly how it was in the 50's and so is the technology.
They've never heard of a microwave.
But they do have table jukeboxes, also from the 50's.
Eating by the firepits is nice.
Leave your anorexic girlfriend, your wheat germ chugging health freak buddy and your Hindu neighbor at home.
Things will get messy.
I didn't even know about this place until my cousin told me. After trying it out I had to come back for more ! It's so darn good that you just gotta have it again & again. My preference for my pastrami is
GRILLED ONIONS , & YELLOW CHEESE, Even though it cost almost
$11 bucks for a sand which it's worth the meal. Average cost if you eat by yourself (SINGLE) Pastrami Sandwich + SODA = $14 - $16 bucks or even $20 bucks. All I can say its nothing compared to eating a sandwhich at SUB-WAY , QUIZNOS or TOGO'S
Recently introduced to the place. Absolutely the best pastrami sandwich I have ever had. the chili fries are great!. Servings are generous and reasonably priced. Atmoshere is very casual and very comfortable. Service is friendly and quick. Can not go wrong here!
Not blown away... at all. The pastrami sandwich was decent. I've definitely had better. Mmmm... Marty's on Pico has the best pastrami topped hot dog. But I digress. Not all that. And the fries are dull; might as well be crinkle cut oven baked fries. And the service... Holy Shit. THE PITS. Our waitress was on her phone and chit chatting with other waitresses. And my boyfriend and I just waited and waited for our bill. Probably added 15 minutes onto a so-so meal. 15 minutes, c'mon!! Ugh, I HATE bad service. Not that this review will influence you not to go. Everyone will go, just like everyone goes to Pinks but Pinks is good. There's the difference. CASH ONLY
Ok, I'm not THE biggest fan of pastrami, but, I do like it. I'm just not a fan of the price. Over $10 for a sandwich? I know, the quality is good, etc etc... but... it's a sandwich AND it doesn't even come with a side! I'm just frugal.
This place is sooooo gooooood.
I love a huge, perfectly-seasoned pastrami sandwich with a boatload of extra pickles, please add swiss, and just enough yellow mustard to give you some zip without making your eyes pop. Add a side of crispy-chewy chili fries (enough for two or even three), extra cheese please, here's a twenty and my change is only HOW much?? I'm docking a star because this place is a bit pricey for one person to eat alone... but in Johnny's defense, it is a lot of food.
I'm no Pastrami fan by any means but when I saw this place had 200+ reviews, well my man I hoped in the car and headed on up to Culver City to check out the hype.
Johnnies is tucked away on Sepulveda and will flash right by you if you're not on the lookout however easier directions should state that it's located on the same block as Tito's, go figure...
So I park, walk in, see "CASH ONLY", go to ATM, remove cash and then sit down at the how do I say it, SMALL bar and open up a menu (let's just say that if your're over 6 feet tall, opt for a booth otherwise your knees will be killing you).
No decision here, original pastrami is what I read about so dammit, that's what I'm having!!! ..... with a diet coke, I need to watch my figure too :)
5 Minutes go by and out comes this GIANT pastrami sandwich ("thank GOD I didn't order fries!" I thought)
It was delicious, absolutely delicious, the pastrami seemed to melt in your mouth and the bread was spot on, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
To top it all off was the dill pickles and hot mustard served on the side, let's just say my fat ass ate the whole thing, then cursed at myself later on for overeating.
I'll be back, but just as a heads up, split a sandwich with someone, you'll save some bucks and an angry stomach.
If you're in the area and your friends are raving about Tito's Tacos... get new friends and take them here instead.
Johnnie's is a perfect place to get a Pastrami sandwich. It's so damn big and so delicious. It's also dipped. So it'll be soaked beyond all belief.
It took me some time to eat at Johnnies. I mean, I actually went to a lot of other choices in Culver City, a non-city that I seldom spent time at. So when I finally got to eat here I was wondering why it took so long. How did I live with myself for so long with out eating here?
Now don't get me wrong, The Hat. I love what you have to offer. But Johnnies is just different and good in its own right. What's so wrong about having the options to choose? It's my buck being spent!
There's also Cinco De Mayo next door. So if you have friends who are craving real Mexican, drop them off there and enjoy yourself a nice delicious pastrami with a pickle on the side. You'll wonder why you aren't eating it more often... besides the fact that you'd have a heart attack by age 25 if you did.
I'm a somewhat healthy eater. Well, I'm not sure I would consider myself that healthy...OK, I'm not really a healthy eater. Maybe I'm trying to give some justification, but I was raised in a European family. With Europeans, there is spicy, there is salty, sugary, oily, buttery, fat-loaded, omfg deliciousness... And, as a product of my environment, I have developed quite a fondness for meat and animal by-products (can you say MARROW??? Yommmmm).Truth is I will eat pretty much anything put in front of me...
That said, I still have a hard time coming to Johnnie's. The guilt over the soon-to-be-in-my-belly-heart-attack-in-a-sandwich is one thing, but that's not all - every time I order the fully-loaded, double-dipped hot pastrami with cheese, a basket of fries and an ice cold Sprite, I lose control of my muscles and bodily functions for about 2 weeks. I'm not talking food coma, I'm talking death by pastrami. Don't get me wrong, this has to be one of my favorite greasy sammo's in Los Angeles. But I limit myself to once, maybe twice a year. Soooooo de-freakin-licious.
If it's your first time, just come prepared - Papaya enzyme pills from Trader Joes work wonders, or perhaps a portable defibrillator...
And don't forget your cash monies, they don't take CC's.
My dad and I love this place. He used to come here back in his younger days and now we go here together when we are in the area. The service is friendly and fast. Free pickles while you wait! The pastrami is delish. Greasy and messy. But the onion rings and fries are pretty standard. It is a little pricey, but I can never finish a whole sandwich anyway.
Well, on the Plus side for Johnnie's they are open late, serve good greasy food that is always welcome to the stomach after a night at the Cozy.
One the downside..they are REALLY expensive for just a pastrami sandwich and fries (very easy to spend 15-20$ per person.)
If you want to spend the money, then enjoy!
Great pastrami sandwich, but it shouldn't cost over $10 for what you get.
So it's good enough that I still get one from time to time, but pricey enough that I often think twice about hitting it.
I drove 50 miles to try Johnny Pastrami's. On 11-19-2009, at 11:45, I sat down at a small table outside in the patio. The table was only big enough for 2, perfect? I am a big person and I was going to enjoy this pastrami I have heard so much about. Well I could not order from the table because I was by myself and the table was for two. I was told I had to sit at the bar to get service.............I do not fit at the bar it would have been way to crowded. There were 5 other table open, on the other side of the patio but rules are rules? I was told I should order "to go".................Excuse me! I rode 50 miles on a motorcycle to sit and enjoy a pastrami sandwich.
I did not argue or put up a fight, I just left depressed and hurt.....I'll never go there again, I do not recommend the place, it sucks. I'll never know what the pastrami taste like......... bummer.... Tico's Taco in front of Johnny's is always good. Up yours Johnny, you suck.
I must agree that this is your non-pastrami lover's pastrami... but it comes at a steep price-- my boyfriend and I split a combo that came with a pastrami sandwich, cole slaw and crinkle fries and it set us back nearly $20!
The sandwich was bread, cheese, and mountains of meat... a nutitional abomination, I'm sure. The cole slaw was nothing to write home about. We got some extra au jus on the side which I HIGHLY recommend.
I want so badly to give this place five stars, but I can't, because the service was terrible. I understand it's one in the morning and you're kind of busy, but for the love, please be courteous.
I ventured in here after contemplating Cinco De Mayo, which is right next door, and deciding I'd go for something a bit less adventurous tonight. Unfortunately I only had ten bucks in my pocket and Johnnie's is a bit pricer than expected, so I couldn't get fries or a shake or any of the trimmings. Mentally, yelp stars were dropping by the second. But oh, when I finally got my sandwich, my delicious chicken breast sandwich that randomly came with two baggies of pickles and hot peppers, faith was restored. I can't wait to go back - with more cash this time around - and try something else.
With its vibrant neon signage, table-side jukeboxes, and super service, Johnnie's Pastrami is a blast from the past. Not that I'm complaining.
This modest eatery offers booth and patio seating, the patio being perfect for the busy hours. An excellent late-night option, Johnnie's is open late when it matters; Saturdays, they're open until 3:30 AM.
Since I (1) like hot dogs and (2) had enough pastrami from my recent culinary excursions, I had their charbroiled hot dog ($4.95; cash only) covered with onions, mustard, and sliced pickles. It was a nice size, and decadent. Coupled with the house complimentary pickles - satisfyingly crunchy, slightly salty, with a hint of garlic - and you've got yourself a definite winner.
For a side, I enjoyed a crisp tossed salad ($4.75; go ahead, make your jokes) with a choice of dressing. The dressing was slathered on, so I suggest asking for it on the side.
Service was spot-on. We were frequently checked on, and when I commented on the oddness of the lemon in my drink, our server replaced my cup right away. Our server even asked if I heard about them through Yelp - I hadn't. (Blandly, I replied that my friend recommended it.)
Johnnie's has been around for fifty years, and if they continue to operate the way they do, they'll be around for fifty more.
I gotta say, I'm a little biased because I live so close, but my goodness, this IS the late night spot. Great pastrami, great atmosphere. A real treasure, you can tell they haven't changed a thing in probably 30 years, and rightfully so. And like it should be, the meat is piled high. A bit pricey but when they are open at 3am, you tend to be a little looser with a buck..haha
i recommend the Joe's Special - pastrami, coleslaw, swiss on a roll. amazing.
prices keep it from 5 stars. fries, onion rings all extra. plan on dropping $20.
Well I agree with everybody else on here - the pastrami sandwich is good - it's absolutely packed with delicious, non-greasy, non-fatty (as much as it can be) pastrami. Plus the chili fries are saaaweeet.
Of course, don't forget it's cash only and the prices (and calories) are kinda high. But to me, the sandwich and fries are so big, I can split one and that keeps the cost down, too. Another bummer - parking can be tough.
Nothing special, I'm not mad about it, but in a world of much better food go eat somewhere else.
the waitress was really nice though.
I'm pretty sad that there aren't more people giving Johnnie's 5 stars. I also grew up in Culver City and have been going there since I was in elementary. Now I live in Orange County but would get those crazy cravings for a greasy, delicious and satisfying pastrami sandwich I will drive all the way to Culver City to satisfy that craving. Yeah, we have The Hat but it is no comparison to Johnnie's. Oh and lets not forget about the homemade kosher pickles that come with every order. My husband or brother will get the chili burger when they're not in the mood for pastrami (which they swear is one of the best).
But me, I will stick to my Pastrami with American on a roll. Plain and simple. No ketchup needed. One of the great things about this place and what's unique to Johnnie's is that they don't fry or grill their pastrami. It's actually boiled which translate to DELICIOUS and tender.
Yes, the menu is pretty pricey but hey, its considered a landmark. I will forever be a true Johnnie's Pastrami fan til I die (or until it kills me). Ha ha!
OH YEAH! Make sure you bring Cash! They don't accept credit cards but they do have an ATM machine that charges an arm and a leg.
Way way way over-rated over-priced. Pastrami was just ok. Golden Ox in Montebello has leaner, juicier and larger portions of pastrami and at a lower price. Even "The Hat" is better than Johnnie's.
Great food, fast service, and I love sitting outside with the fire pit.
We split everything because yes - I can't imagine eating one of those sandwiches by myself, imagine the cholesterol and calories!
Everything was awesome though. If pastrami sandwiches were my thing I would love this place - my friends who took me there raved about it, and I understand why. I think the prices are reasonable for the amount of food and quality, though I certainly understand that people say it's pricey for sandwiches and fries.
Cash only is a big minus for me as well, but I rate based on whether I would want to go back - and this is a 5 star place if you like pastrami sandwiches. As one of my friends put it - melts in your mouth.
One big plus - I really liked that they put crushed ice in my water. It's a small thing that I don't see at restaurants often anymore, and I really prefer it.
There was plenty of parking when we showed up at 6:30 on a Tuesday and the place never got so busy that it was out of stalls (we left at 8). Definitely one of my favorite outdoor seating areas - especially when it is just a little cold out, like it's been lately.
Best pastrami sandwich I've ever had...period.
The first time I came here was with my brother a few years ago and I always make it a point to stop by and get myself 2 sandwiches...one to eat there and one to go and I always use that good hot mustard of theirs....=)
This place is nothing to brag about. $4 for fries? Please. Super expensive for a very very average sandwich. Last one I had was soooo dry. They must have forgot to dip it. Bread is dry and very plain. I've had better at random fast food joints for half the price. Johnnie's on Adams is way better.
Their pastrami is pretty good but I didn't agree with their prices. $10.50 for a Pastrami Sandwich is high. The sandwich is not big ones like the ones you get from deli's in New York. It's just a regular size sandwich. At best $8.00 should be the price, not almost $11.00. $4.00 for French Fry's is too high also. Between my husband and I we shared a Sandwich, Fry's and a Soda and the bill came out to be $17.25 which is too high for a one person meal.
So when you come here, assume you're going to have to try the Pastrami sandwich, right? It's good! And thats saying something from a girl who doesn't really care for pastrami.
The burgers here are really good, too. Great fries. Mmmmm.
This place is cash only, which is especially a pain in the ass, considering that this place is pricey.
Ordering can be a little awkward, given how small the space is around the counter. I definitely would recommend Johnnie's, still.
Very good Corned Beef, fries, endless pickles
Open Late night. A bit pricey for sandwiches. Look out, cool fire pit. Comfortable seating in booths after a night on the town, this place hits the spot.
I have eaten my weight in pastrami so many times over I actually smell like the finer of the cured meats when I work out. (and it makes me hungry) This is a place my boss and I started going when the radio station walls were starting to close in. Its a damn good pastrami samich! What seems like home made bread and extra crispy fries. and a side of peppers. I prefer to eat inside. Its a bit pricey and cash only but damn its good. I purposely starve myself of this place so that its better when I do go. If you are a true pastrami technician, you will dig it. Call me and I will meet you there.
We asked a local where we could get a fabulous pastrami sandwich (Langers was too far a drive) and were directed to Johnnie's. We were so excited and hopeful that our search for the perfect pastrami was going to reach another milestone as we headed to what we'd been told was a world famous location. Well, here's the story ...
The good news ---
The waitresses were quite friendly, the sliced pickles they place on every table when a patron arrives are quite flavorful, there's outdoor seating on both sides of the restaurant (which is good because it's a tight fit inside with very limited seating), the restrooms are SPOTLESS, and the sandwiches were piled generously with the pastrami.
The bad news ---
Parking behind Johnnie's was scarce and we eventually had to park across the street (don't jaywalk, but trek to Washington to cross the street). My husband ordered the hot dipped pastrami w/ cheese and I tried it on rye. Pastrami flavor? BORING, virtually no seasoning whatsoever. We asked for deli relish and russian dressing, and piled that as well as the table american yellow mustard all over the pastrami in an effort to get some kind of flavor kick. We ordered nothing but the two sandwiches (no fries, coleslaw, etc.) and the total bill came to $30 with tip, so I recommend a bank withdrawal before eating here as they only take cash. We had mistakenly thought that the significant sandwich price would be a reflection of quality. My suggestion is to go to the little Mexican food stand next door which has a sign in the window advertising a pastrami sandwich, fries and soda for just under $5. It can't be any worse than what we got at Johnnie's.
Sorry, gotta say it ... What a huge disappointment !!!
OK. Went back and did not like the pastrami at all......It was dry as the Sahara. The pickles have a great kosher dill flavor but they are not as crisp as they should be. The burger was yum..Love the char broiled flavor. Service is super friendly and fast.
The Pastrami and pickles make your toes curl with happiness.
It's been a while, but I'm still able to scarf down an entire pastrami order by myself.
I think the Pastrami on Rye with swiss cheese (you have to get cheese!) is tastier than the Hot Pastrami! Why? I'm a total bread person, and though I'm generally not a fan of rye bread, it is pretty darn tasty with pastrami! Soft and chewy bread -- mmm...much better than the chewy bun that the hot pastrami is served with! Try the hot mustard instead of the plain old regular mustard on the table.
The mini-jukeboxes actually work! Our song selections were "Love Machine" and "Play That Funky Music".
Waitress: (Incredulously eyeing me, my date, and my empty plate). "Did you each get your own… Read more »
Try their pastrami, then try going somewhere else for their pastrami... and prepare yourself for disappointment. There are many places out there that advertise their "famous" pastrami. Honestly, no where else seems to hold a candle to Johnnie's.
While the waitressing service might be considered less than favorable, the pastrami speaks for itself. If not for the wait staff, 5 Stars would be most appropriate!
Don't forget the mustard!
Chili's Gift Cards
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Category: American (Traditional)
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